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The digital age can eliminate density and geographic proximity requirements that were so critical during the industrial age. The digital age will make it possible for a rural community to maintain its “rural” feel and continue to leverage its natural amenities while taking advantage of what only dense urban areas enjoyed last century. Things like access to funding (crowdfunding), worldwide markets (e-commerce), savvy employees (teleworkers) and real-time information; collaboration and innovation (videoconferencing and soon mixed reality); certain level of healthcare (telehealth); and educational opportunities (massive open online courses, online certifications). So, what is in our way to achieve #Rural2.0? Ultra-fast internet connectivity and digital skills quickly come to mind, but the most serious challenge is that the traditional 20th century mindset still exists in rural communities. This session will help you better understand the implications of the digital age and help your rural community transition to, plan for and prosper in the digital age.

Matt Dunne is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center on Rural Innovation, a non-profit "action-tank" dedicated to fostering digital economies in rural Americathrough research, thought leadership, and on-the-ground programming. His recent op-ed in WIRED explains how small town ingenuity has enabled the proliferation of fiber broadband across rural areas.Previously, Matt served 11 years in the Vermont House and Senate, enacting the state’s first broadband grants, brownfields revitalization funding, and downtown redevelopment... Read More →

Assistant Director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development and a Purdue Extension Community & Regional Economics Specialist, Purdue University

Roberto Gallardo is Assistant Director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development and a Purdue Extension Community & Regional Economics Specialist. He holds an electronics engineering undergraduate degree, a master's in economic development, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration... Read More →

Katy Easterly Marty has been with CDFA since 2011, in November 2017 she was appointed CDFA’s Executive Director. As CDFA’s, Chief Program Officer, she provided leadership and strategic direction across CDFA’s programs, guiding program management, policy direction and partnership... Read More →